Today’s workout: Mix it up with this reverse plank

When it comes to fitness, doing the same thing over and over is perfectly fine. At least you are exercising on a regular basis.

Whether it be the same loop around the block, stomach crunches in the living room or push-ups in the kitchen, you have a fitness routine and you are sticking to it.

Routine and similarity is great, but every once in a while it is nice to throw in something different. It is easy to get bored repeating the same workouts day to day and sometimes boredom leads to skipping your fitness routine all together. If you are looking to make changes versus maintaining, it is a must to throw in some new moves here and there.

Our exercise for today is a reverse plank with a leg cross. You need a flat surface and a yoga mat. This move will ork your whole body, and is great for those who don’t like a lot of moves or too long of a workout.

To begin this reverse plank, have a seat on the floor. Place both hands behind your body, palms on the ground with your legs extended straight out in front of your body. Proceed to lift your rear end off the ground. Your body weight should be supported by your arms and the heels of your feet.

Once your body is lifted into your reverse plank, hold your chest tall, and engage your core by lifting the hips and squeezing in the glutes, giving your body a sturdy bridge.

From this point, lift one leg up and cross it over the other supporting leg and attempt to tap the foot on the ground. Once you have tapped, or at least attempted, return the lead leg to the ground. Proceed with your other leg doing the same crossing movement. Continue this crossing motion for at least five to 10 times per leg, per set for at least three sets. If at any point your upper body become fatigued, lower your rear end to the ground for a few repetitions then return to your planking position.

This move takes a little practice and requires a good amount of balance. When adding this exercise into your routine, you may need to keep it basic and work into the full move.

So if you are a creature of habit, a simple, full body move such as this reverse plank, is perfect to throw in here and there!

— Marlo Alleva, an instructor at Gold’s Gym and group fitness coordinator at Fontaine-Gills YMCA, can be reached at faluvzpa@msn.